Bariatric Surgery Specialist

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also called weight loss surgery, makes losing weight easier. These procedures work by reducing your stomach’s size or allowing food to bypass part of your stomach to help you feel full after eating fewer calories.

What are the different types of bariatric surgery?

Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, offers several types of bariatric surgeries, including:

Gastric bypass

Gastric sleeve surgery, also called sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight loss procedure. Your surgeon removes about 80% of your stomach to make it smaller. Doing so restricts the amount of food you can eat and prompts hormone changes that aid in weight loss.

Gastric sleeve

Gastric sleeve surgery, also called sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight loss procedure in which your surgeon removes about 80% of your stomach to make it smaller. Doing so restricts the amount of food you can eat and prompts hormone changes that aid in weight loss.

Is bariatric surgery right for me?

You might be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you’re overweight or obese and haven’t been able to reach a healthy body weight on your own. However, you must be willing to adopt healthy habits before and after surgery, as weight loss surgery isn’t a substitute for eating healthy and getting regular exercise.

How should I prepare for my procedure?

To prepare for bariatric surgery, follow your surgeon’s instructions. You might need to have lab tests and medical exams. You could also be asked to stop taking certain medications. Your surgeon could restrict the foods and drinks you can have before surgery.

Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco, and arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

What should I expect during surgery?

Before bariatric surgery, your provider gives you a general anesthetic to put you to sleep so you can avoid discomfort. Your surgeon inserts specialized instruments through tiny incisions in your abdomen. After several hours, they close the incision sites and take you to a recovery area. You might stay in the surgical center for a few days.

What happens after bariatric surgery?

After weight-loss surgery, follow all post-surgery instructions. Avoid eating until your surgeon gives you the OK, and follow a special diet for several weeks. Begin by consuming liquids only and then move on to pureed, soft, and regular foods over time. Choose small portions. Attend all your follow-up appointments after surgery.

If you’re overweight or obese, don’t give up on weight loss. Schedule a consultation with Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, by phone or book online today to find out if bariatric surgery is for you.